Hyperthermia, or overheating, is a serious condition that, if left untreated, can lead to a potentially fatal heat stroke. Especially young children and the elderly are at risk of hyperthermia because they do not regulate their body temperature as smoothly as other people. What are the causes and symptoms of hyperthermia? What is her treatment and first aid?
Hyperthermia( overheating of the body ) is a state of higher than normal body temperature caused by excessive overheating of the body.
When heat accumulates in the body, its ability to naturally cool down through perspiration decreases significantly, so less heat is released into the environment.
The elderly and children are particularly at risk of overheating, because they do not regulate their body temperature as efficiently as other people.
Hyperthermia - causes
The cause of hyperthermia may be external factors, most often excessive exposure to the sun. Then the body's ability to cool down naturally may be impaired to such an extent that there is a high risk of sunstroke (a type of heat stroke).
Overheating of the body may also occur during hot water and steam baths, as well as when staying in a stuffy, humid and hot atmosphere (e.g. in steel mills, forges, laundries) or during excessive physical exertion.
Too warm, windproof and tight clothing also promotes overheating of the body.
Hyperthermia is also caused by internal factors - thermoregulation disorders as a result of taking medications (antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants and vasodilators) and coexisting diseases (diabetes, heart disease, hyperthyroidism).
The risk of overheating also increases in people under the influence of alcohol and dehydrated.
Hyperthermia - symptoms
A characteristic symptom of hyperthermia is feeling hot. The skin of the whole body becomes very warm, dry, and merges with sweat. You can also observe facial congestion. First or second degree burns often appear. The accompanying symptoms are:
- weaknessof the organism
- headaches and dizziness
- nausea and vomiting
- visual disturbance
- disturbance of consciousness
- swelling of the feet and ankles
- heart rate acceleration
- breathing disorders
- loss of consciousness
Hyperthermia - first aid
If hyperthermia is suspected, first aid should be provided as soon as possible. Failure to do so could result in potentially fatalheat stroke !
The injured person should sit down, necessary in a shaded place with access to fresh air. Then apply cold compresses - first on the head, then on the rest of the body. Ice cubes are not recommended to be applied directly to the skin as this can cause thermal shock. Better to put ice in a bag or towel. If the casu alty can swallow, give him a cool (but not ice-cold!) Drink - preferably still mineral water.
Hyperthermia - treatment
In the hospital, the doctor may order rinsing the stomach, peritoneal cavity and bladder with cold fluids, and administering cold fluids intravenously.
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